Hundreds stand for Clinton address today in Boardman

It was a question often asked by Democratic leaders at Saturday’s Mahoning County Democratic pre-Election Day breakfast, headlined by former President Bill Clinton.

Clinton spoke to a crowd of 1,800 to 2,000 people, most of whom stood rather than sit during his speech, at Mr. Anthony’s.

The former president urged the audience to vote and urge others to do the same for the Democratic slate, particularly Gov. Ted Strickland.

“Where’s the enthusiasm gap? Where is it?” yelled Yvette McGee Brown, the Democratic lieutenant governor nominee. “You guys do us proud. We are winning on Tuesday because of you! I just want to tell you, this has been a long year. There are people who counted us out just like people counted out the Valley.”

National polls have shown that those most likely to vote lean Republican.

But Strickland said momentum is swinging in favor of Democrats at the right time.

Republicans “won this race in August,” he said. “We’re going to win this race in November, when it really counts.”

Polls show a tight race for governor between Strickland and Republican John Kasich.

Clinton said, “It’s obvious we’re closing the enthusiasm gap.”

During his speech, Clinton criticized Kasich, but only once mentioned him by name.

For the complete story, photos and commentary by Vindicator columnist Bertram de Souza, read Sunday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.